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Effective Tips to Refinish Your Vintage Cabinets

Would you like to restore the vintage kitchen cabinets to their former glory? Would you prefer giving them a facelift they need to get a kitchen you might have been dreaming about?

Just as other things, vintage kitchen cabinets wear out and get damaged over time. But they do not make cabinets like they used to. Thus, the old and sturdy cabinets are surely worth restoring. If you take proper care of them, they can last long. Moreover, vintage cabinets are timeless and will always be in fashion.

vintage kitchen cabinets

However, you should know how to refinish the vintage white cabinets to make sure they look beautiful.

1. Find Out If It Is Truly Worth It

Firstly, you should assess if or not the vintage kitchen cabinets are worth saving. Find out if they are falling apart or in good condition. That’s because there is only so much you can do with refinishing. In case there is fire or water damage to the whole cabinet then it might be a lost cause. Do your cabinets need refinishing or repainting?

2. Take All Layers of Finishing Off

In case the vintage white cabinets are not well maintained, they will have more than 2-3 layers of paint. For refinishing them, you have to get to the wood under the layers of paint. Make sure that you scrape off old stains or paints. You can do that with the help of a chemical stripping agent. Sanding is another option for you to try out.

3. Perform Deep Cleaning and Then Dry It Completely

Vintage kitchen cabinets collect their fair share of grease, dust, and grime over time. You need to scrub it off all off. Use a mild detergent to do that. Make sure that the cabinets are completely dry before you start with the refinishing process.

4. Do the Necessary Repairs

When you have scrapped off the layers of paint and cleaned your vintage white cabinet, you might come across some cosmetic damage. Good thing is you can fix that. In case your vintage cabinets have minor cracks, nicks, or dents, patch them using wood putty.

Finally, check if everything is smooth enough. Don’t forget to clean up the dusk using a vacuum cleaner before you proceed with the treatment.

5. Select a Finish

When you are choosing the cabinet finish, make sure you are doing it wisely. In case you are choosing a rustic or vintage kitchen theme like your previous one, it is better to find natural colors instead of vibrant ones. Vintage kitchen cabinets look the best in earthy tones or natural wood and white. White kitchen cabinets cannot ever be the wrong choice.

6. Choose Antique Hardware

If you just go halfway, you will not get the vintage vibe. In case the handles and hinges on the cabinets are malfunctioning, look for some replacements. The new ones you are choosing should be in better condition. Do not choose modern ones that do not fit properly. Also, keep the new refinish in mind when you are looking for new hardware for your kitchen.

Maintain the Vintage Cabinets After Refinishing

When you are done refinishing yourantique white kitchen cabinets, you should take proper care to maintain them.

  • You should clean the cabinets regularly. This ensures that they look the best for years on the end.
  • Make sure that you keep moisture and water away from the cabinets.
  • Do not use harsh cleaning products. Instead, switch to natural alternatives.
  • Heat damage can lead to wear and tear. Make sure to keep the heat at bay.
  • Protect the cabinets from sunlight damage to prevent them from fading over time.

With the right maintenance and care, you can keep them in the best shape.

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